River Rescuers Return As Hopes Fade

Hopes are fading for a missing teenager feared drowned in a rain-swollen Co Antrim river.

James Elliott, 14, was out walking along the River Bush near his home in Stranocum yesterday along with a teenage friend when his Labrador dog got into trouble in the water.

At around 3pm on Thursday he jumped into the river to try and save the dog, but then got into difficulties himself.

His friend also entered the water, but managed to scramble out again.

His father Clive, who is a police officer in Ballymoney, rushed to the scene and is understood to have dived in to try and rescue his son, but was unable to pull him from the river, which was swollen after the recent heavy rain, with some going as far as describing it as a "raging torrent".

The boy's dad and the other teenager survived, although they were taken to hospital for a time. The dog also emerged safely from the water.

A massive search operation involving Ballycastle and Coleraine Coastguard as well as a Royal Navy Search and Rescue helicopter from Prestwick in Scotland and two PSNI helicopters then swung into action.

The Fire and Rescue Service, Bann Rescue and Mountain Rescue were also involved.

Rescuers have returned to the scene this morning again to continue the search.

While dozens of local people joined in, walking the banks of the river to assist in the search operation last night, police have this morning advised that such help will not add to the search.

While thanking those who rushed to help, they now say that no further assistance is needed and might be a hinderance to the operation.

Last night, the police helicopter used thermal imaging cameras to try and locate the youngster, but without success.

Young James had played international youth football for Northern Ireland and was on the books of Linfield FC and described by them as "a very promising footballer".

(BMcC/KMcA)